(TibetanReview.net, Mar 25, 2009) — The Tibet Autonomous Region will reopen for foreign tourists and tourists from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau from April, reported China Hospitality News online (China) Mar 24, citing the region’s Tourism Bureau. The report gave the lie to China’s earlier official claims of never having closed the region in the run up to the Tibetan New Year beginning Feb 25 and, more importantly, the 50th anniversary Mar 10 of the Tibetan Uprising Day.

The closing of Tibet for foreign tourists was reported on by all major international news agencies and media, with travel agents cited as speaking of having received direct government orders to this effect. And yet, China’s foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu had told reporters Feb 26 that Tibet still remained open for foreign tourists, reported the AFP Feb 26.